FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems employing UAV's and corresponding methods of operating UAV's, in particular relating to deployment of UAV's.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) are well known and have many uses, which may include active surveillance or over-the-hill data gathering.

For example, by way of general background interest, the following publications disclose various UAV configurations:

EP 1884463 discloses a Micro Air-Vehicle (MAV) starting system that provides the combined functions of: packing protection of sensitive vehicle components, a mechanical starting assembly, and a launch pad. The disclosed preferred- embodiment comprises a container and a container lid with the MAV clamped to the lid. Also disposed on the container lid is a starting assembly. The lid which doubles as a launching pad with the attached MAV is removed from the container, placed on the ground, the MAV is started with the starling mechanism and launched.

US 7,089,843 discloses a launcher including a plurality of launch tubes for stowing and launching a plurality of air vehicles. A central air manifold is operatively connected to an air storage tank; a first launch tube air manifold is operatively connected to a first group of the launch tubes and operatively connected to the central air manifold. The first launch tube air manifold has a separate port corresponding to each launch tube of the first group of launch tubes. A release valve mechanism is removably mounted in one of the ports of the first launch tube air manifold, the release valve mechanism controlling the passage of launch air between the first launch tube air manifold and the launch tube corresponding to the port in which the release valve mechanism is mounted. A plug is removably mounted in each of the ports not occupied by the release valve mechanism.

^' US 6,119,976 discloses a shoulder launched unmanned reconnaissance system for providing overhead visual surveillance of remote targets is disclosed. The system includes a reconnaissance air vehicle which may be fired from a portable launcher, accelerated to flight speed, and remotely controlled using a ground control system. The vehicle is flown to the target area to enable an onboard wide angle video system to transmit video images of the target to the ground control system for processing and display. The ground control system enables the reconnaissance vehicle to be flown to a recovery area and to descend in a stall mode after the flight is completed for maintenance prior to reuse. The air vehicle includes collapsible wings which are deployable after launch by a spring actuated mechanism.

Other known UAV systems include, for example, the "MAV" system by Aerovironment, and the "Train Cable UAV" by Planum Vision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for guarding a perimeter, comprising:

(a) providing infiltration information of an actual or suspected infiltration at a target zone associated with said perimeter by at least one infiltration agent;

(b) deploying at least one ready-to-launch UAV to said target zone responsive to receiving said infiltration information;

(c) operating said at least one UAV to home onto at least one said infiltration agent; and

(d) at least one of:

identifying nature of at least one said homed-onto infiltration agent or nature of said infiltration via said at least one UAV and providing data corresponding to said nature; and

tracking at least one said homed-onto infiltration agent via said at least one UAV and providing data corresponding to a location of said homed-onto infiltration agent to enable neutralization thereof. Herein, "guarding" includes, inter alia, one or more of watching, sensing, detecting, data gathering, and so on relating to unwanted and/or unexpected and/or unauthorized and/or hostile and/or dangerous infiltration agents (human and/or non- human), as well as relating to such agents and/or one or more of defending, protecting against, preventing intrusion by, controlling a location with respect to, securing against, providing safety from, such agents.

For example, step (b) may comprise speed-launching at least one ready-to- launch UAV in a trajectory or along any suitable flight path to said target zone responsive to receiving said infiltration information

The method according to the first aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following features (A) to (U), in any desired combination:

(A) Wherein step (b) comprises providing at least one UAV launcher, the or each said UAV launcher comprising at least one UAV in ready-to-launch mode, the or each said UAV launcher configured for enabling each respective UAV to be speed launched responsive to receiving said infiltration information.

(B) Wherein step (b) comprises:

providing a plurality of said UAV launchers; and

strategically deploying said UAV launchers with respect to said perimeter in a manner allowing each said UAV to reach a predetermined point on said perimeter witliin a predetermined time after launch.

(C) Wherein step (a) comprises obtaining infiltration information from at least one of the following sources: human intelligence; human surveillance of said perimeter; electronic intelligence; electronic surveillance of said perimeter; overhead imagery of said perimeter; perimeter breach sensors; radar data; electro- optical and/or infrared surveillance of said perimeter.

(D) Wherein in step (b) suitable command signals are generated corresponding to said infiltration information and transmitted to at least one said UAV launcher whereby to activate thereby speed-launching of said at least one ready-to-launch UAV.

(E) Wherein said UAV comprises a suitable sensor configured for providing image data or other sensor data witliin a field of view, and step (c) comprises remotely flying said UAV to said target zone, receiving said image data or said other sensor data generated by said UAV of the target zone, and identifying nature of said infiltration agent in step (I) from said image data or said other sensor data.

(F) Wherein step (d) comprises maintaining said infiltration agent within said field of view of said sensor. (G) Wherein the method further comprises step (e) of neutralization of said infiltration agent. For example, step (e) may comprise one or more of intercepting, apprehending and immobilizing said at least one infiltration agent by direct human intervention. For example, said direct human intervention may comprise dispatching to said location one or more of: manned or unmanned ground forces, manned or unmanned airborne forces, and manned or unmanned seaborne forces. Optionally, said at least one UAV may be recovered concurrent with or after step (e).

(H) Wherein said at least one supplemental UAV may be speed launched in step (d) for supplementing said identification in step (I), and/or said tracking in step (II), or taking over said identification and/or said tracking, respectively, from said UAV previously launched in step (b).

(J) Wherein step (b) comprises speed-launching a plurality of said ready-to- launch UAV, each to a different respective start location in said target zone, responsive to receiving said infiltration information, and searching a respective portion of said target zone for said infiltration agent.

( ) Regarding feature (J), wherein at least one of said plurality of said launched

UAV's is homed on said infiltration agent in step (c), and at least a first portion of a remainder of said launched UAV's are recovered.

(L) Regarding feature (J) and/or feature (K), wherein at least one of said plurality of said launched UAV's may be homed on said infiltration agent in step (c), and at least a second portion of a remainder of said launched UAV's may be maintained airborne for providing supplemental tracking.

(M) Wherein there are a plurality of infiltration agents, wherein step (b) comprises speed-launching a plurality of said ready-to-launch UAV, and in step (c) operating each said UAV to home onto a different said infiltration agent.

(N) Wherein step (II) may be performed after step (I), and wherein in step (I), said nature is identified as being unwanted, hostile and/or dangerous.

(O) Wherein said data corresponding to said nature in step (I) includes incriminating evidence relating to said nature of said infiltration agent or of said infiltration thereby.

(P) Wherein said perimeter constitutes a border between a host country being guarded and a geopolitical entity comprising said infiltration agents prior to said infiltration. (Q) Wherein said perimeter constitutes a building or structure.

(R) Wherein said perimeter comprises fence, wall or line circumscribing an installation, a group of buildings, a complex, or a geographical zone.

(S) Wherein at least one said ready-to-launch UAV is configured structurally and/or operatively to minimize detection thereof by said infiltration agents.

(T) Wherein said infiltration agent may be a human agent. For example, said human agent may be taken from the group including: terrorist, illegal alien, smuggler, thief, foreign troops.

(U) Wherein said infiltration agent may be a non-human agent. For example, said non-human agent may be taken from the group of: non-authorized UAV, unmanned land vehicle, and unmanned sea vehicle. Alternatively, for example, said non-human agent is a contamination agent, and for example said contamination agent may be taken from the group including: toxic, chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for guarding a perimeter, comprising:

control center configured for generating a control signal responsive to receiving infiltration information of an actual or suspected infiltration at a target zone associated with said perimeter by at least one infiltration agent; launch system configured for deploying at least one ready-to-launch UAV to said target zone responsive to receiving said control signal; at least one controller configured for operating said at least one UAV to home onto at least one said infiltration agent and for at least one of:

(i) identif ying nature of said infiltration agent or nature of infiltration; and

(ii) tracking said infiltration agent via said at least one UAV; and communication system configured for providing at least one of: data corresponding to said nature in (i); and location data corresponding to a location of said infiltration agent in (ii) to enable neutralization thereof.

For example, the launch system may be configured for speed-launching at least one ready-to-launch UAV in a trajectory or any suitable flight path to said target zone responsive to receiving said control signal. The system according to the first aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following features (a) to (1), in any desired combination:

(a) Said launch system may comprise at least one a UAV launcher remote from said control center, the or each said UAV launcher may comprise at least one said UAV, the or each said UAV launcher being in operation configured for automatically speed-launching at least one said UAV responsive to receiving said launch command signal from said control center.

(b) The or each said launched UAV may be configured for being transported under its own power to a target zone within a predetermined response time.

(c) The or each said UAV may comprise a sensor system having a field of view, in operation said UAV being configured for providing sensor data associated with said infiltration agent responsive to said infiltration agent being in said field of view. For example, said sensor system may comprise an image acquisition system for providing images corresponding to said field of view. For example, said image acquisition system may comprise a pointing mechanism for controllably changing a line of sight of said image acquisition system in at least one or azimuth and elevation.

(d) The or each said UAV may comprise a GPS or other positioning system configured for providing geographical location data of the respective UAV according to a pre-known coordinate system. For example, said location data may be derived from said geographical location data and from knowledge of the line of sight of the image acquisition system and from knowledge of an altitude of the respective said UAV.

(e) Said communication system may comprise a communication module comprised in the or each said UAV, each said communication module being configured, in operation, for receiving said command signal, for enabling operation of the respective UAV by said controller, and for transmitting sensor data provided by said sensor system.

(f) Said UAV may further comprise any suitable payload, for example a contamination sensor configured for detecting said infiltration agent when in the form of a contaminating agent. For example, said contamination agent may be taken from the group including: toxic, chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents. Additionally or alternatively, the UAV may be configured for carrying any other suitable payload.

(g) Said control center may be remote from said launch system.

(h) At least one said UAV launcher may be mobile, and configured for controllably changing its geographical position with respect to at least one of said control center and said perimeter

(i) The system may comprise a plurality of said UAV launchers, spaced from one another and at different locations with respect to said perimeter, wherein said control center is configured for providing said launch command signal to a said launcher capable of launching a respective said at least one UAV to minimize said response time.

(k) Said controller may comprise a human UAV operator.

(1) The system may be configured for transmitting said sensor data to at least one of said control center and said controller.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a system for acquiring a target and/or for providing airborne tracking of a target, comprising:

a control center configured for selectively generating a launch command signal;

at least one a launcher remote from said control center and comprising at least one UAV, the or each said launcher being in operation configured for automatically speed-launching at least one said UAV responsive to receiving said launch command signal from said control center, and the or each said launched UAV being configured for being transported under its own power to a target zone within a predetermined response time;

. the or each said UAV comprising a sensor system having a field of view, in operation said UAV being configured for providing second target data associated with said target responsive to said target being in said field of view the system being further configured for operating the or each said UAV, at least after being speed-launched from its respective said launcher, including:

- guiding the respective UAV to said target zone; and

- acquiring the target, including at least detecting and tracking said target by operating said sensor system. The system according to the third aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features (a) to (k) according to the second aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for tracking an intruder in a restricted zone, comprising:

a control center configured for selectively generating a launch command signal responsive to receiving intruder initial location data representative of an initial location of the intruder in the restricted zone; _,

at least one a UAV launcher in or proximal to the restricted zone and remote from said control center, the or each said UAV launcher comprising at least one UAV, the or each said UAV launcher being in operation configured for automatically speed-launching at least one said UAV responsive to receiving said launch command signal from said control center, the or each said launched UAV configured for being transported under its own power to said initial location after launch within a predetermined response time under guidance provided by said system or according to a pre-programmed route;

the or each said UAV comprising a sensor system having a field of view, in operation said UAV being configured for providing second intruder data associated with the intruder responsive to the intruder being in said field of view the system being further configured in use for operating the or each said UAV to detect and track the intruder by operating said sensor system.

The system according to the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features (a) to (k) according to the second aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for acquiring a target and/or for providing airborne tracking of a target, comprising:

a control center configured for generating a launch command signal responsive to receiving data representative of presence of a target at a target zone;

at least one launcher comprising at least one UAV, the or each said launcher in operation configured for automatically speed-launching at least one said UAV responsive to receiving said launch command signal from said control center; the launched UAV configured for being guidable to a target zone associated with said target within a predetermined response time;

the launched UAV comprising a sensor and communication system for generating and transmitting sensor data for enabling the control center to identify the target;

the system being further configured for operating the or each said UAV and for receiving sensing data therefrom at least after being speed-launched from its respective said launcher. The target zone may represent a zone containing the range probability of the target being located there, and optionally taking into account the range of the detection equipment of the UAV.

The system according to the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features (a) to (k) according to the second aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a fast-response system and method for three-stage pursuit of a suspected target such as infiltrators entering a restricted area or predefined perimeter:

The first stage includes detection of a suspected target by any means of detection (human and/or automated).

The second stage includes , speed-launching at least one UAV to track the target and maintain it under close observation so that at least its location is known.

The third stage includes taking over from the UAV by another system (manned system or unmanned system) and proceeding with further tracking or neutralization of the target.

The system according to the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features (a) to (k) according to the second aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis. The method according to the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features (A) to (U) according to the second aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

According to at least one of the above first to sixth aspects of the invention, the respective UAV launchers may be configured as stand-alone autonomous units, capable of providing launch-ready UAV in an automated manner without the need for human intervention.

According to at least one of the above first to sixth aspects of the invention, the respective UAV's may be configured as generally autonomous self-powered, untethered vehicles. Additionally or alternatively, at least some said UAV's may comprise a payload compartment comprising a marker, such as a dye, and/or comprising any suitable device that may be dropped onto the target for marking or immobilizing the target.

According to at least one of the above first to sixth aspects of the invention, the respective target (also referred to interchangeably herein as an infiltration agent) can be static/mobile/airborne/ground based/sea or water based.

According to at least one of the above first to sixth aspects of the invention, a system is provided for guarding a perimeter, including a control center, a launch system, a controller and a communication system. The control center is configured for generating a control signal responsive to receiving infiltration information of an actual or suspected infiltration at a target zone associated with the perimeter by one or more infiltration agents. The launch system is configured for deploying one or more ready-to- launch UAV's to the target zone responsive to receiving the control signal from the control center. The controller is configured for operating the launched UAV(s) to home onto at least one such infiltration agent. The controller is also configured for identifying the nature of the infiltration agent or the nature of infiltration; and/or for tracking the infiltration agent via the UAV(s). The communication system is configured for providing data corresponding to the nature of the infiltration agent or the nature of infiltration, and/or for providing location data corresponding to the location of the infiltration agent being tracked by the UAV's to enable neutralization thereof. A corresponding method for guarding a perimeter is also provided.

A feature of at least some embodiments of the invention is providing a method and system for guarding a perimeter, which in at least one operating mode is essentially activated only in response to a threat posed to the perimeter. Until such a threat is detected, the system may be operated in a passive manner, i.e., without the need to launch a UAV to look for new, as yet undetected, threats. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a UAV launcher.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a UAV.

Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a UAV launcher.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an application of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates another application of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 schematically illustrates another application of the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8(a) schematically illustrates a variation of the embodiment of Fig. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a multi-purpose UAV deployment system according to a first embodiment of the invention, generally designated 100, comprises a control center 200 and a plurality of UAV launchers 300.

Referring to Fig. 2, each launcher 300 is configured for speed-launching at least one UAV 400 in an automated manner in response to receiving a control command signal to do so, and thus each launcher 300 is configured for operating unattended, hi the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the launcher 300 is configured for speed-launching one or a plurality of UAV's and comprises a plurality of launch housings 310, each launch housing 310 housing a UAV 400, which in operation of the respective launch housing 400 is in a ready for launch mode (RFL mode). In alternative variations of this embodiment, at least one launcher is configured for speed-launching one UAV and comprises a respective launch housing. The launch housing 310 further comprises a suitable launching system (not shown) configured for imparting a forward momentum to the respective UAV 400 sufficient to enable the UAV to become airborne and subsequently be capable of maintaining flight under its own power after exiting the respective launch housing 310. For example, the launching system may be configured for launching the respective UAV via any suitable pneumatic, hydraulic, pyrotechnic, elastic, mechanical or other arrangement.

In alternative variations of this embodiment, the launch housing 310 does not comprise any specific mechanism or arrangement to eject and push out the respective UAV 400 therefrom for launching the same. Rather, the UAV 400 is itself configured for exiting the launch housing 310 under its own power - for example the UAV may have VTOL, STOL or V/STOL capabilities, and/or may comprise auxiliary power packs (e.g. rocket assisted take-off systems).

The launcher 300 further comprises a suitable communication system 350, comprising at least a receiver for receiving command signals transmitted by the control center 200. In this embodiment, the communication system 350 also comprises a transmitter for transmitting signals at least to the control center 200. Furthermore, the launcher 300 may comprise a control unit 390, such as for example a microprocessor, for controlling operation thereof.

In this embodiment, the communication system 350 is wireless, for example operatively connected to the control center 200 wirelessly via a radio transmitter using any suitable radio band, either directly, or via a system of relay stations and/or via satellite connection. In alternative variations of this embodiment, communication system 350 may be cable-based, and is operatively connected to the control center 200 via a cable network, or is based on laser communication or fiber optics, or comprises a combination of different communications media, for example.

The launcher 300 in this embodiment omprises a pointing mechanism 360, which is configured for enabling the azimuth and/or elevation of the respective launch housings 310 to be selectively controlled, thereby providing any desired or optimal launch direction LD for the launch housings 310. Further, the launcher 300, while in use is typically statically deployed at a fixed geographical location in this embodiment, is readily transportable to a different geographical location when desired, by means of trailer 370, which can be pulled by any suitable vehicle, for example. In alternative variations of this embodiment, at least one launcher 300 is permanently deployed at one geographical location in a fixed permanent installation, while in these or other alternative variations of this embodiment, at least one launcher 300 may be self-propelled, for example affixed on a carrier vehicle, which may be, for example, a land vehicle, a sea-faring vehicle, an amphibious vehicle, a hovercraft, etc. In alternative variations of this embodiment, at least one launcher 300 does not comprise a pointing mechanism, and is permanently pointing in one direction, at least relative to the launcher base.

The launcher 300 further comprises a GPS or any other suitable global positioning system, and rurthermore the control unit 390 is configured for operating the communication system 350 to send a signal to the control center 200 advising the same of the geographical position of the respective launcher 300 according to its GPS location. Alternatively, the position of the respective launcher 300 may be determined manually, and relayed to the control center 200 by personnel such as for example the ground crew responsible for deploying the launcher 300.

After deployment, the launcher 300 is configured for operating in an automated manner, without the need for any ground crew. A ground crew may be provided from time to time for repair, maintenance and refurbishment, but operation of the launcher 300 for launching the respective UAV's is generally automated and responsive to receiving suitable control signals to this effect from the control center 200.

In these or other alternative variations of this embodiment, one launch housing may be used to launch multiple UAV's, which may be stored one behind another serially in the launch housing, or may be stored one above another in the launch housing, or may be loaded one at a time to the launch housing using a suitable loading mechanism. For example, referring to Fig. 4, at least one launcher according to a different embodiment, and designated with the reference numeral 300', comprises one or more multiple launch housings 310' mounted onto a pointing mechanism 360', and also comprises control unit 390' configured for operating the communication system 350'. Each such multiple launch housing 310' comprises a launch tube 320' configured for speed launching a UAV, and a UAV magazine 370' comprising a plurality of UAV's 400 in stacked arrangement, and configured for loading each UAV from the magazine 350' in turn to the launch tube 320' after the previous UAV has been launched.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the control center 200 comprises a suitable command and control module 210 (CC Module), which in operation may be configured for processing intelligence data ID and deciding whether or not to launch one or more UAV's 400, from one or more launchers 300, and in which direction and towards which particular target zone. The CC Module 210 in operation is further configured for processing surveillance and other data provided by the launched one or more UAV's 400, and for passing on such surveillance and other data and/or analysis thereof to another party. The control center 200 further comprises a suitable communication system 250, comprising at least a transmitter for transmitting command signals to the launchers 300. In this embodiment, the communication system 250 also comprises a receiver for receiving signals from at least the launchers 300. Furthermore, the control center 200 comprises a controller 290, such as for example a microprocessor, for controlling operation thereof.

In this embodiment, the communication system 250 is wireless, for example operatively connected to the launchers 300 wirelessly via a radio transmitter using any suitable radio band, either directly, or via a system of relay stations and/or via satellite connection, hi alternative variations of this embodiment, communication system 250 may be cable-based, and is operatively connected to the launchers 300 via a cable network, or is based on laser communication, fiber optics or any other suitable means of communication, or comprises a combination of different communications media, for example.

The control center 200 is in operation further configured for receiving intelligence data ID, and may do so in one or more forms. In particular, such data ID may include a suspected location of a target that it is desired to identify and/or track. Such data may include human intelligence, for example observers 490 in the field may spot a suspected target T and radio or otherwise advise the control center 200 of the fact and location of the suspected target T.

Where the system 100 is used for guarding a perimeter against infiltration, wherein the target is an infiltrator, additionally or alternatively, breaches in the perimeter (e.g., a fence, wall, etc.) may be sensed optically and/or thermally and/or by sound and/or by touch/movement and/or electronically, and data indicative of the breach is suitably transmitted to the control center 200. Additionally or alternatively, human intelligence data may include data of a possible infiltration at a particular time and/or place, and this data is suitably transmitted to the control center 200.

Additionally or alternatively, the control center 200 may comprise a receiver for receiving satellite intelligence data from a satellite network 492, for example satellite image data (visible spectrum, infra red, etc) of a particular target zone at a particular reference time, and this image data may be analyzed to provide such intelligence data to the control center 200. Additionally or alternatively, the control center 200 comprises or is operatively connected to a suitable sensing module, for example any suitable SIGI T module for intercepting signals, optionally including at least one of an ELINT module and a COMINT module.

Additionally or alternatively, the control center 200 comprises a suitable detection system 270 (which may comprise, for example, a suitable radar system and/or a suitable ground based electro optic system) operatively connected thereto for detecting a target T within a particular radius of operation, around the control center 200 and/or around one or more additional zones, wherein a number of linked radar systems and/or ground based electro-optic systems may be provided for radar coverage thereof.

In this embodiment, the CC Module 210 is in the form of one or more human operators, skilled at receiving and analyzing the aforesaid intelligence data, and at deciding whether to launch one or more said UAV from one or more launchers. The controller 250 may assist the human controller by highlighting the closest launcher available and ready for launch with respect to a particular target.

In alternative variations of this embodiment, the CC Module 210 may be fully automated and thus comprises a suitable computer system that is configured for initiating a launch of a UAV based on predetermiiied parameters.

In this embodiment, the control center 200 is at a geographically fixed, static location, at least during operation thereof. In alternative variations of this embodiment, the control center 200 may be comprised in a mobile platform - for example transported by means of a vehicle (e.g., carried by the vehicle or towed as a trailer by the vehicle), and the vehicle may be, for example, a land vehicle, a sea-faring vehicle, an amphibious vehicle, a hovercraft, etc, or for example carried by personnel - and the center 200 may be operated also when mobile.

Referring to Fig. 3, each said UAV 400 is configured as a non-tethered vehicle in the form of a steerable airborne platfomi comprising at least one sensor system configured at least for enabling a target within the sensor's field of view FOV to be identified. In this embodiment, the sensor system comprises a suitable imaging system 410 configured for providing in real time a video stream in the visible spectrum, and may be further configured for providing corresponding infrared images and/or comprises enhanced night vision features, h alternative variations of this embodiment, the imaging system may additionally or alternatively comprise a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and/or any other suitable sensor system. The imaging system 410 may comprise a suitable camera, preferably an electronic camera, preferably mounted to the UAV 400 via a stabilizing platform such as to compensate for vibration etc, and thus provide stable images to the control center 200 via communications module 420. The UAV 400 comprises a suitable propulsion unit 430, which may be electrically powered, or fuel powered, or a hybrid, for example, for providing powered flight and/or VTOL capability to the UAV. Preferably, the imaging system 410 comprises a pointing mechanism 412 which is configured for enabling the azimuth and elevation of the imaging system 410 to be selectively controlled, thereby providing any desired line of sight (LOS) for the imaging system within a defined field of regard FOR. Further, the imaging system may be configured for providing a variety of magnifications, and/or fields of view (FOV). Such imaging systems are well known in the art.

According to one aspect of the invention, the UAV 400 may be based on any suitable micro-UAV's, for example the "Mosquito" UAV, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Israel. According to another aspect of the invention, the UAV 400 may be based on any suitable mini-UAV's, for example the Birdeye family of UAV's, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Israel. According to another aspect of the invention, the UAV 400 may be based on any suitable larger UAV's, for example the I- View UAV's, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Israel.

The UAV 400 is configured for being automatically launched from its respective housing 310 when in the aforesaid RFL mode, in which the respective UAV 400 is fuelled and/or has sufficient electrical power to enable operation of the propulsion system and for powering the additional on-board systems, for example the imaging system 410 a nd communications module 420. At least in this embodiment, each operative said launcher comprises at least one said UAV in RFL mode, and may have additional said UAV's in RFL mode, and/or is configured for placing more said UAV's in RFL mode in an automated manner.

Once launched, the UAV may be steered to the desired location in any number of ways. For example, the UAV may receive a particular flight plan to the target zone while still in the launcher housing prior to launch via a suitable communication, or may up-load the flight plan after launch via suitable data-link. Additionally or alternatively, the UAV may be pre-programmed with a plurality of flight plans, for example one each to particular predetermined target zones, and the desired flight plan is brought on-line in the UAV. Alternatively, the UAV is steered manually to the target zone via a UAV operator 205.

In variations of this embodiment where the launched UAV 400 comprised a payload, for example the imaging system or other payload, the payload may be operated by means of a payload operator 206, who optionally may also be the UAV operator 205.

In this embodiment, the payload operator 206 and the UAV operator 205 are comprised in the control center 200, and are located in the same location. In alternative variations of the embodiment, the payload operator 206, and/or the UAV operator 205, may be independent of the control center 200 and may be located at different geographical locations.

In this embodiment, the UAV 400 further comprises a suitable GPS or the like, and the communication module 420 is configured for transmitting the geographical location of the UAV 400 to the control center 200. Furthermore, the communication module 420 may further transmit the direction of the LOS of imaging system 410 with respect to datum coordinate system UCS of the UAV, the UAV's direction and altitude, and the attitude of coordinate system UCS with respect to an Earth-based coordinate system ECS such as used by the GPS system, and may also further transmit data regarding the magnification of image and other optical parameters. With this data it is possible to then calculate the position and thus the geographical location (with respect to the aforesaid Earth-based coordinate system) of whatever object is in the field of view FOV of the imaging system 410.

Furthermore, the communication module 420 is also configured for providing identification data for the respective UAV 400, for example an IFF or IP code, so that data received from each UAV by the control center 200 can be associated with its respective UAV 400.

In one application of the first embodiment, and referring to Fig. 1, the system 100 is configured for facilitating guarding of a particular perimeter, for example defending the perimeter against infiltration, and the plurality of launchers 300 (individually designated as 300a, 300b, 300c, etc.) are deployed along the perimeter. For example such a perimeter may be a political border 900 between the host nation 910 on which the launchers are deployed and a neighboring nation or other geographical/geopolitical entity 930 which may be hostile or harbor hostile or undesirable elements with respect to the host nation 910. Each launcher 300 has an associated radius of operation R, which can be understood to refer to a characteristic range of the respective UAV 400, attained after a predetermined elapsed time t from launch from the respective launcher 300. The elapsed time t may thus be regarded as a desired response time for the UAV to reach a particular location. In this embodiment, the various launchers 300 are spaced from one another and from the border such that each radius of operation R (individually designated as Ra, Rb, Rc, etc. respectively corresponding to the respective launchers 300a, 300b, 300c, etc.) overlap with the border 900, and also with respect to one another at least close to the border 900, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

The control center 200 is also located in the host nation 910 (although in variations of this embodiment it may be elsewhere, for example airborne or at sea in neutral or international areas), but may be further distanced from the border 900, for example for site security considerations, particularly if the border zone in the vicinity of the border 900 is hostile.

The border 900 may comprise a fence or wall 920, comprising sensors 925 including proximity sensors and/or breaching sensors, respectively configured for sensing proximity of a foreign object (for example a body or vehicle) to the wall and for sensing breaches in the wall, and a communication module 930 for transmitting to the control center 200 sensor data indicative of such proximity or breach when such an event happens.

In this embodiment, all the launchers 300 are substantially similar to one another, at least in terms of the type of launching systems provided, and the type of UAV launched by each housing 310, and may also be similar to one another in having the same number of launch housings 310 per launcher, though in alternative variations of this embodiment, each launcher may have a number of launch housings that may the same or different with respect to the other launchers 300. In yet other variations of this embodiment, each launcher may be different from the other launchers, in terms of type of launching systems provided, and/or in terms of the type of UAV launched by each housing 310 of the launcher, and/or in terms of the number of launch housings 310 per launcher 300, and so on. Accordingly, the radius of operation R associated with each launcher 300 may be different from one another between the different launchers 300.

In this application of the first embodiment, a number of launchers 300 are in communication with the control center 200 via wireless transmitters 292, while other launchers 300 are in communication with the control center 200 via cables 295. In one method of operation of the system 100, designated with reference numeral 800 and referring also to Fig. 8, in step 810 the control center 200 receives intelligence data of a possible incursion or infiltration of the border 900 at a particular target zone at location A, for example via sensors 925. Alternatively, such data may originate from one or a combination of the following sources: human intelligence, electronic intelligence, satellite surveillance, etc. The CC Module 210 makes a command decision at 805 whether or not to investigate further, and in the affirmative, a command signal CS is sent out in step 820 to one or more launchers 300 for one or more UAV's to be launched. In the simplest implementation of step 820, the command signal CS is for launching a single UAV from the launcher closest to the location A, or if the launchers 300 have different UAV capabilities to one another, the launcher having the shortest response time T to the location A. The particular UAV 400 is automatically launched by the respective launcher 300 responsive to receiving the command signal CS and the UAV is automatically flown (by computer control) or manually flown (by UAV operator 205) to location A, with the respective imaging system 410 aboard the UAV 400 scanning the target area around the location A for signs of a candidate target such as an intruder.

When a candidate target has been acquired, e.g. detected digitally or in any other suitable manner and homed onto, the next step 830 is to identify the target, and this is followed by decision node 840 - whether this identified target warrants further tracking or not. For example if the target is a human infiltration agent, for example an intruder such as a potential terrorist, illegal alien, smuggler, thief, foreign troops, etc., for example, tracking of the target is continued, while if it turns out that the target is a border guard, a tourist, an animal etc., for example, or it may be decided that the target does not warrant further tracking. On the other hand, the target may be a non-human infiltration target, for example a dangerous animal (e.g., an animal suspected of carrying rabies or an infectious disease), or the target may be a non-human agent such as for example a non-authorized UAV or unmanned land or sea vehicle. In any case, if further tracking is required, then in step 850 the UAV maintains aerial surveillance of the target, in general by maintaining the target within the field of view FOV of the imaging system 410.

Further tracking can be manually performed, for example by the UAV operator 205 controlling the UAV in cooperation with the payload (imaging system) operator 206 (which in at least some embodiment may be the same operator), typically at the control center 200 though the operator 206 may be stationed at a different location and communicates with the UAV to control operation thereof via suitable communication means.

Alternatively, the tracking may be automated, for example by means of a suitable computerized system and/or an electro-optical auto tracking system.

The fact, details and other data of the target, including its location in real time, may be relayed by the control center to any desired party, for example ground forces such as border patrol, police etc. that are responsible for confronting and dealing with the target.

In step 860, tracking may be terminated, for example when suitable ground forces such as border patrol, police etc. arrive at the location of the target, which has been continuously tracked and relayed to the ground forces via control center 200 by the UAV, and the ground forces may then deal with the target, for example by neutralizing or apprehending any potential threat. The ground forces may include one or more of personnel and vehicles (manned or unmanned), and/or air vehicles and/or sea vehicles as appropriate.

In step 870 the UAV is recovered. For example the UAV may be flown to a recovery site, where it is landed and refurbished, to be subsequently re-used in the original or a different launcher 300 when needed.

In a further optional step 855 prior to step 860, another UAV 400 may be automatically launched from the same or a different launcher 300 in response to receiving a suitable command signal to take over or to assist tracking of the target. This may occur, for example, when the original UAV is damaged, or when the original UAV lacks sufficient fuel or electrical power to maintain tracking operation. In such cases, the operational status of the original UAV is monitored, and the next UAV is launched such that its response time T is less than the estimated time to failure of the original UAV. Thus, location data of the original UAV is used to guide the second UAV to the target and take over tracking, such that tracking and surveillance of the target is effectively continuous and uninterrupted.

In a variation of this method of operation, a number of UAV's may be launched sequentially or substantially concurrently in step 820. This may provide multiple redundancy in tracking - for example if one UAV suddenly fails the other UAV's can still provide tracking data. Alternatively, it may turn out that what was initially considered to be a single target is in fact a group of targets that may potentially scatter in different directions, and thus the multiple UAV's may provide tracking of each separate target if there are sufficient targets launched (of course, once the target is identified in step 830 as comprising multiple targets, additional UAV's may be automatically launched and homed in to their location via the data provided by the first UAV. Alternatively, and depending on the terrain on which the target is located, it may be possible for the target to enter a structure having multiple exits, and the strategic solution for ensuring continuation of surveillance is to cover all the exits by providing a UAV to survey each such exit.

In another variation of step 820, designated as step 820' in Fig. 8(a), three UAV's (designated with reference numerals 400a, 400b, 400c) are launched in response to the command signal CS, and is particularly useful where the exact location of the suspected target T is not known with certainty and/or where it is suspected or known that the suspected target T may move quickly from the last known location within the time taken for the nearest UAV to arrive at this location. In alternative variations of this embodiment, two UAV's or alternatively more than three UAV's may be launched in step 420' instead of three. In such cases, a probability zone PZ may be defined around the last known location of the suspected target T, or centered around the area where the suspected target is general located. Thus, perimeter P is displaced by a dimension S from the center C of the probability zone PZ such that the perimeter P defines a threshold beyond which it is considered unlikely (within a predefined probability which may differ from case to case) that the suspected target will have traveled, even if traveling at a known, predicted or estimated maximum speed, irrespective of direction, in the time period between detection of the target and the arrival of at least one of the UAV's. While the shape of the probability zone PZ is illustrated as circular, it is not necessarily so, and the probability zone may take on any suitable shape, which may generally depend on the nature of the suspected target, its means of mobility, and the nature of the terrain.

In step 820' the three UAV's are launched, each one to a different part of the probability zone PZ. For example: UAV 400a and UAV 400b are each directed to generally opposed extremities, target points La and Lb respectively, of the probability zone PZ at the perimeter P, while the third UAV 400c is directed to a target point Lc at or near the center C of the zone. The three UAV's may be launched from the same launcher 300 or from different launchers 300, optimally according to availability of UAV's in each launcher and according to satisfying the criteria of minimizing the response time of each UAV to its designated target point.

For example, La and Lb may lie along the generally direction that the target was observed to be traveling when detected. Alternatively, La and/or Lb and/or Lc may be locations in the probability zone PZ having relative high probability of finding the suspected target there. If the suspected target is located by one of the UAV's, steps 830 to 870 may be implemented with respect to this UAV, and the other two UAV's may be recovered as per step 870, or at least one of these two UAV's may be used to provide multiple redundancy in tracking, as disclosed above, mutatis mutandis.

On the other hand, if by the time the three UAV's reach their target points La, Lb, Lc the suspected target is not located by any of the UAV's, step 825' is then implemented, in which the probability zone PZ is split into three search zones Za, Zb, Zc, one zone for each UAV, and which each UAV 400a, 400b, 400c implements a search-and-locate mission M in its respective zone Za, Zb, Zc (Fig. 7). For example, each mission M may follow a zigzag path that eventually covers the full respective zone such that the zone comes under observation by the respective imaging system 410 of the respective UAV.

It is to be noted that the probability zone PZ is not necessarily of a static and fixed form. For example, if further intelligence data regarding the suspect target is received while the UAV's are on their way to the probability zone PZ or while they are carrying out their missions M, the shape and extent of each respective zone Za, Zb, Zc may be changed, as well as the number of zones searched and/or the form of the mission M changed. Additionally or alternatively, if the suspected target is not detected within a particular time, it may be necessary to expand and/or displace the probability zone PZ to account for the possibility that the suspected target may have traveled further and out of the probability zone PZ. One possible way to address the expanded probability zone PZ is by extending each mission M accordingly. Another way is to define a new search zone Zx between the original perimeter P of the probability zone PZ and the expanded perimeter P' of the expanded probability zone PZ, and to launch one or more additional UAV's to search this zone Zx. Of course, this process may be repeated as often as necessary, each time expanding the probability zone PZ as required. In some cases, it is possible to concurrently have a number of groups of UAV's, each group operating with respect to a respective different probability zone. In such cases, it is also possible to transfer UAV's from one group to another according to specific needs or requirements. For example, it may be that a UAV of one group happens to be closer to a target zone of one particular probability zone than the original UAV that was dispatched to that zone. In another example, rather than launching a new UAV to a particular target zone it may be possible to divert a UAV, that was originally deployed for a different probability zone, to the aforesaid target zone.

In these or other applications of the system 100, the respective UAV's 400 may at least in some cases be tactical, mini- or micro- UAV's and/or operated from high altitudes such as to minimize the probability of being detected in flight by the suspected target, and thus reduces the probability of the suspected target from taking evasive action to avoid detection or being tracked. Furthermore, such small-sized UAV's may be maneuvered through confined spaces, for example wooded areas and urban areas in a fast, slow or hovering flight, and in a controllable manner, at least in some cases with greater effectiveness, more safety and lower probability of detection than would be the case with manned air vehicles.

Additionally or alternatively, at least in some cases larger UAV's may be used where endurance may be required - for example where it is expected that the ground forces cannot arrive and take over for long periods.

In another application of the system 100, one or a plurality of launchers 300 may be provided atop masts or rooftops in an urban zone. For example, a launcher 300 may be installed on a rooftop of a building housing a bank and/or of a nearby building or at any other strategic locations. In case of a robbery or attempted robbery, the launcher 300 automatically launches one or more UAV's which can then follow the getaway vehicle used by the criminals until a helicopter can take over surveillance and/or until the vehicle is apprehended. The command signal for activating the system 100 and launching the UAVs may be generated and transmitted, for example automatically on activation of the bank alarm system, or via a coded signal sent directly by law- enforcement agents in the area.

In another application of the system 100, one or a plurality of launchers 300 may be additionally or alternatively provided atop vehicles, for example law enforcement vehicles or military vehicles, which may be moving such as on patrol. When required, a UAV from such a vehicle is launched responsive to receiving the command signal CS from the control center 200.

In another application of the system 100, one or a plurality of launchers 300 may optionally be provided atop vehicles, for example emergency and rescue forces vehicles (e.g., fire fighters, environmental agencies etc), which may be deployed to answer an emergency situation. When required, a UAV 400 from such a vehicle (and/or from static locations such as illustrated in Fig. 1, for example) may be launched responsive to receiving the command signal CS from the control center 200. The launcher 300 may stay on the vehicle or may be removed and re-positioned for later usage. The UAV may include as payload, in addition to or instead of the image sensor, a contamination sensor configured for detecting and/or identifying toxic or otherwise dangerous chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents, and the UAV is operated to fly into a target zone that is suspected to include such agents. Such a target zone may be associated with a perimeter defining the site of an attack, or may be a building or complex that stores or processes such agents, and the target zone may include a body of such agents, for example smoke or a cloud of particulate matter, or precipitation or a mist, for example. The UAV then uses the contamination sensor to collect and identify any possible contaminants at the target zone, and to enable associated risks to be evaluated. Furthermore, the UAV may stay airborne and track the movement of the body of agents, until they are sufficiently dispersed as to be rendered harmless, or until other resources may be brought into play to deal with the contamination. Optionally, a plurality of UAV's may be launched to monitor and track the body of agents if this expands or moves in multiple directions at the same time.

Thus, in this application of system 100, the suspected contamination agents operate as infiltration agents at the target zone.

In the method claims that follow, alphanumeric characters and Roman numerals used to designate claim steps are provided for convenience only and do not imply any particular order of perfonriing the steps.

Finally, it should be noted that the word "comprising" as used throughout the appended claims is to be interpreted to mean "includmg but not limited to".

While there has been shown and disclosed example embodiments in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.